The friends returned to school the next day, still buzzing with excitement from their adventure. They couldn't wait to share their story with their classmates, but they also wanted to keep the secret code a secret.

As they walked through the halls, they noticed that something was different. People were whispering and pointing at them, and they could feel curious eyes on them. It seemed like everyone knew about their treasure hunt.

Feeling a bit uneasy, the friends decided to meet up in the library during lunch to discuss what to do. They were worried that someone might try to steal their treasure or figure out the secret code.

As they sat around the table, they noticed a group of students approaching them. It was the popular kids, who had never paid much attention to them before. The friends braced themselves for teasing or ridicule, but to their surprise, the popular kids were genuinely interested in their adventure.

They asked questions about the secret code and the treasure, and the friends couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as they shared their story. The popular kids were impressed and even asked if they could join in on their next adventure.

The friends were hesitant at first, not wanting to share their special bond with anyone else. But they also didn't want to exclude anyone, so they agreed to let the popular kids join them on their next treasure hunt.

As they continued to share their story with their classmates, the friends realized that the secret code had brought them more than just a treasure. It had brought them new friendships and a newfound sense of confidence.

And as they embarked on their next adventure with their new friends, they knew that the secret code would always hold a special place in their hearts, reminding them of the amazing journey they had been on and the valuable lessons they had learned.